The Lord Cuts a Covenant with Abram
Key Moments in This Message
Message Overview
Pastor Tommy McClain walks through one of the most foundational chapters in the Bible: Abram believes the Lord and it is counted to him as righteousness, followed by the smoking firepot covenant ceremony.
Expository Study Guide
Summary of the Teaching
Genesis 15 contains the heartbeat of biblical soteriology. When Abram expresses fear and doubt about having no heir, God takes him outside under the starry canopy and promises descendants beyond number. Abram believes God, and God counts it to him as righteousness (v. 6). In the solemn covenant ceremony that follows, God alone passes between the severed animal pieces, swearing on His own life that He will fulfill His promise.
Theological Theme
Justification by grace through faith alone (sola fide) and the unconditional, blood-bought covenant of God.
Historical & Biblical Context
Follows the battle of the kings in Genesis 14 where Abram rescued Lot. Abram is vulnerable and fearful of retaliation.
Key Takeaway for Faith & Obedience
Righteousness before God is never earned through our works; it is a gift received by faith in Jesus Christ, who took the curse of our broken covenant upon Himself at Calvary.
Sunday School & Small Group Discussion Questions
Use these questions in your personal reflection, family devotion, or Sunday school small group.
- 1The pastor stressed Genesis 15:6 as the foundation for the doctrine of justification by faith in Romans 4 and Galatians 3. How does this liberate you from the exhaustion of trying to earn God's love?
- 2Notice that in ancient covenants, both parties walked between the cut animals. Why did God alone pass through in Genesis 15 while Abram slept?
- 3God told Abram, 'I am your shield, your exceeding great reward.' Is God Himself your reward, or are you primarily seeking His blessings?
- 4How does looking at the cross show us that God kept His oath by bearing the curse for covenant breakers like us?
Interactive Sermon Notes
Our Discipleship Framework: Love for Jesus • Learn from Jesus • Live Like Jesus • Lead to Jesus
The Lord Cuts a Covenant with Abram
Pastor Tommy McClain • August 30, 2026 • Genesis 15:1-21
1. Love for Jesus — Treasure God Himself
Finding our deepest joy and security in the presence of the Lord.
- God is not a means to an end; He is the reward.
- Our fears dissolve when we behold His sovereign majesty.
2. Learn from Jesus — Believing God's Word
The nature of saving faith: taking God at His Word.
- Faith is not positive thinking; it is resting on God's character.
- Righteousness is credited to our account by faith in Christ alone.
3. Live Like Jesus — Secure in the Covenant
Walking with assurance because our salvation rests on God's oath.
- Our security is anchored in God's faithfulness, not our perfection.
- Walk in holy boldness knowing Christ absorbed the curse for us.
4. Lead to Jesus — Proclaiming the Blood of the Covenant
Sharing the message of the cross with people burdened by religious guilt.
- Tell struggling souls that Christ has paid their full penalty.
- Invite seekers to look to the cross and live.
More From Genesis: The Covenant Promises of God
View Full Series →
God's Judgement and Salvation: The Doom of Sodom
Pastor Tommy McClain preaches through Genesis 19:1-29, examining God's holy wrath against unrepentant wicked cultures, His mercy toward Lot, and the enduring truth that God alone delivers the righteous by grace.
The Fate of a Wicked and Disobedient Nation
Pastor Tommy McClain preaches on Genesis 18:16-33, where Abraham stands before the Lord and pleads on behalf of Sodom. A powerful message on the Judge of all the earth and bold intercession.
Taking God's Promises into Your Own Hands
Pastor Tommy McClain exposes the tragedy of Sarai and Abram taking matters into their own hands with Hagar, and the incredible tenderness of the God who sees (El Roi).